OFF-TRAIL ACTIVITY PROMPTS ATV SEGMENT CLOSURE
Tuesday, June 24th, 2008 -- 2:07 PM
A segment of the Clark County ATV trail system is closed due to vandalism and off-road riding.The roughly 4-mile segment is located in the Hatfield area and runs from Resewood Avenue to Gorman Avenue.
This particular segment crosses over county-owned and privately owned lands.
Trails coordinator Brian Duell says the property owners decided to discontinue the use of their land after noticing off-road damage and vandalism of personal property.
"An ATV had been going off the trail in that area and venturing through the woods down there. There has been private property missing from their tree stands and things like that," Duell reports.
This is not a crucial connecting segment of trail, but if it were, it could virtually cripple the entire system.
"It would be huge," Duell confirms, "People need to stay on the trail."
It's a sobering thought considering much?if not most?of the Clark County tourism industry is centered on the burgeoning popularity of ATVing.
"It's impossible for (us) to everywhere. It is very important to self-police. If they do see (violations), they should call the Sheriff's Department," Duell encourages.
Clark County has more than 130 miles of trails, most meandering through the county forest.
[url=http://www.co.clark.wi.us/ClarkCounty/Departments/forestryparks/RecTrails/ATV.asp]Clark County ATV Trails Page[/url]
Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.